I don't think that's it. Sony just had most of the developers on their side. I mean with Dreamcast gone and Nintendo lower in the ranks who else were they supposed to develop for? Even when the Xbox came out the fanbase was so huge on the PS2 plus the developers were used to working with the PS2.So I think the secret to the Ps2's longevity I believe is that many new gamers have not experienced the PS2 and the numerous titles that exist. When they hear about them they are curious and want to see games like GOW, FF and MGS 3 the games that came before the modern versions. I think this assumption that PS2 only survives because of shovelware is just wild speculation.

It was over 10x times better than the first Playstation. Like Apocalypse said, then it was all about support. Sony has always been one for quality, and they got quality developers and then made...quality games! The PS2 only did the best.

When people saw this cheap, quality console, it sold like hotcakes. Much like the PS3 will sell both now and next year. The n4g article will generate quite a bit of heat the day PS3 sales overtake Xbox.